It's Christmas Time in the Neighborhood

We've been traveling around Manhattan looking at decorations and festivities and it's been a lot of fun. But I thought for today's post we'd stick closer to home. It's so easy to get caught up in the big excitement of the season that the joys right around the corner can be overlooked. Most of the time the greatest joys are in the little moments of light and gratitude.

Since 1991 my synagogue has shared the space of the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew (SPSA), UMC. Our roof collapsed and the congregation very graciously took us in. In the interim we have renovated our sanctuary, but we still have our Saturday morning services at the church, where we have space for junior congregation. It has been a wonderful friendship and we will always be grateful to our brothers and sisters at SPSA. The church was built in 1897 and there are lots of things that need renovation, especially in a building that is so well used. Last night was a benefit concert and the talent was extraordinary. David Hyde Pierce -- yes, Niles Crane from "Frasier" and Victoria Clark, a talented Broadway actress, hosted the show. The show also included Mary Louise Parker, Kelli O'Hara and the Texas Tenors. It was a fabulous night and just around the corner.

How Good it is When Brothers and Sisters Dwell Together in Harmony

This setting really taxed my cell phone camera, but it gives the overall scene. The Texas Tenors are all in black and wearing -- no surprise -- Texas ten gallon hats. 

 Just around the corner from the church Christmas tree sales were taking place. It was after 9:00 and there were still customers. 

I was happy to come home to this pretty sight. This is the Christmas tree in our building lobby. It's an artificial tree and putting it up and taking it down it takes at least four days. We had real trees for years, but New York City requires artificial trees in public spaces out of concern for fire. 

And to go from the sublime to the somewhat silly, these cuties are on my mantel. I did consider something shinier, but as I sorted through all of my cards and decorations I realized I had enough snowmen and stuffed bears to fill the mantel. I think Pepe, the monkey in the middle, looks especially spiffy in his Christmas suit. 

I had a wonderful evening in the neighborhood and I hope you did, too. I got my last minute groceries and spent today indoors, keeping out of our first snow fall. It doesn't look like much stuck to the ground, but it was nice not trudging through the snow to get to the subway this morning. I hope you had a warm and cozy day, too. 

As always thanks for visiting and take good care of yourself!